THE Vatican has excommunicated Father Luciano Mbewe from the Catholic Church for forming another church.

The excommunication means that Fr Mbewe is no longer a member of the Catholic Church and whatever religious functions he may hold are being done outside the Catholic Church.

"Even if signs and symbols, as well as attire being used during the services resemble those of the Catholic Church, the services conducted are not part of the Catholic Church.

"We, however, urge our Catholic faithful and other Christians to continue praying for our brother in spite of being separated, by his own actions, from the Catholic Church," Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) president, George Lungu said.

Bishop Lungu said the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in Rome excommunicated Fr Mbewe because of the offence of schism according to Canon 1364 & 1 of the Code of Canon Law (C.J.C.).

Fr Mbewe formed the Catholic Apostolic National Church of Zambia and has been openly congregating with excommunicated former archbishop of Lusaka, Emmanuel Milingo and members of his 'Married Priests Now' movement.